Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Worthwhile experience, if only it hadn't been such a mess Past Review

By (Indiana University - Purdue University Fort Wayne / IPFW) - abroad from 09/04/2016 to 01/30/2017 with

University of the Balearic Islands: Palma de Mallorca - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Even though it was chaotic and I didn't end up passing my courses, I still lived in a different country for almost 6 months. I definitely say it was worth it, it was very enriching and I had the ability to practice my Spanish more than ever could have back home and have native feedback. I would say it was a wonderful life experience, but an awful academic experience.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I felt the courses were appropriately difficult, that is for the native students, whereas they were especially difficult for foreign students. At any given time it was next to impossible to know what was expected of you and whether you were performing well or poorly. Yes the professors were open to office hour meetings but even those helped very little in clarifying where you stood

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

In my program description I was to be assisted with housing arrangements, but upon arrival I discovered that that was my responsibility and thus had no place to stay for a solid week before I managed to secure an apartment with little assistance.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was very difficult to make friends with the locals, they were friendly but quite distant. I found myself befriending other exchange students from different countries faster than the locals.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

Because of my issues with housing I ended up starting my courses more than a week late, and with such a difference in intensity from the Spanish courses I was used to, it was impossible to catch up

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About 80 a week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy local food, I indulged in some home food a couple of times and it was very expensive.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Multiple Spanish 495 courses
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Because most of the friends I made were other foreign exchange students it was hard for me to convince them to practice Spanish with me as we both had a strong base in English. My advice would be to find friends that are ready to speak Spanish as much as English, or that only speak Spanish and have a rudimentary grasp on English.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • There was a group dedicated to helping foreign students and spending time with them, they were extremely kind and helpful
  • The location was very good, because I was on an island I could only get so lost before finding my way back to somewhere I knew
  • My monthly allowance was more than enough to pay my living expenses and allow me to explore or indulge in local events
* What could be improved?
  • They could use more administration geared towards assisting foreign students
  • Peer tutors would have been great, I found it hard to know exactly what the professors expected. Somebody who had experience in how the courses ran, and a general understanding of the professors.
  • Definitely the housing arrangements.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I wouldn't have housing upon arrival, that the classes I had researched and chosen prior to departure wouldn't be accepted/available/advised.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!